Customer Reviews

Think Like a King Chess Workout Family Package

5 star:		(5)
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3 star:		(1)
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Hello, a hoax has just been pulled either by AMAZON.COM on us or by CHESS CENTRAL on AMAZON.COM.

First, none of the reviews relate to the actual product "Think Like a King Chess Workout Family Package". All of these reviews are reviews on another chess product- Convetka's "CT ART 3.0".
CT-ART 3.0

I recognize this because I own both pcs of software. Actually, the review by the "GAMESMAN" is an absolute schill. This fellow actually describes the "CT ART 3.0" product using the "Think Like a King" verbage like 'workouts' etc. That's a real shame.

Now I will discuss the product "Think Like a King". It is strictly a scholastic teaching pc of software. It is basically an interactive E-book reader. The graphical interface opens 1 of 7 E-books, the 'workouts'. The graphical interface shows a board and a chess position; the text is on the right describing the subject, such as 'en prise' and the problem on the board. The user follows the directions of the text and often gets to make a move on the board.

This is not a Michael Dela Maza style tactics drill software like CT ART 3.0 is. It is a beginners introducutory course on chess which focuses on tactical elements. There are series of 10-20 chess problems for the user to answer at the end of each chapter (or lesson) in the books. It's a fine pc of software for a child. Please go to [...] to find out about the product.

I don't want to tear the product down, but AMAZON and/or Chess Central is engaing in false advertising here. It's a shame because myself and many others use these reviews as a guide for purchasing products.

AMAZON.COM please fix this!!!! Chess Central has made a mistake (or a deceptive calculation) AMAZON Pull the previous reviews from this product now.

This is an excellent training tool for players of over 1300 USCF. Additionally, it offers exceptional value for your money providing 100s of hour of valuable training for a very modest price.

General comment on Tactical Training:
Mastering the Tactical training consists of fast and accurate recognition of standard tactical ideas (motifs) and ability to calculate. Your training should be split in two parts - learning the motifs and then improving you ability to calculate. In the early positions you will have to go through simple 1-2 moves tactics involving double attack, deflection, attraction, and other basic tactical motifs. As you progress - you will have to deal with multiple tactical ideas, longer variations and more resourceful defense.
The rating you get is more generous than it should have been, but nevertheless a good indicator of your progress.

This tool is ideal for practicing! I use this software regularly so do most of my students. In my new book "Chess Exam and Training Guide: Rate Yourself and Learn How to Improve", I provide more information on how to use this tool as well as how to identify other suitable products for your training.

Good luck!
Copyrighted by me!

If you want to improve your chess playing, buy this program. In short, it will make you a better player.

Under a master standard level (2000 ELO) tactics is the name of the game, and this teaches them. There are over 1200 examples which are beautifully laid out, and there are friendly hints to guide you in the right direction should you not initially find the right solution.

In my opinion, this is one of the best purchases you can make if you want to improve your chess. Although after reading Michael De La Mazza's Rapid Chess Improvement I was already a convert.

I really like the way this program drastically improved my tactical vision by just solving about 100 "Grades By Difficulty" puzzles a day for a period of a few weeks (!). My rating on ICC went up about 100 points and, equally important, my confidence grows accordingly. Wonder what this will do to my future otb-rating (ELO).

Only two complaints:

1)When taking a test there's no "counter" visible, so you don't have a clue how many puzzles you still have to go (I like the way other programs of theirs - like "Intermediate Tactics" give information like "#5 of 50").
2)When you make a few mistakes, a small window opens up, showing you a similar position as the one you're trying to solve, which you can practice on, but... where the "main puzzles" have the (option of showing the) color you're playing at the bottom of the board, these small "help boards" always show the position from the White side.

I find the above mentioned "shortcomings" annoying, but maybe it's just me...

Overall, definitely a program worth buying, although I'd suggest you get "Total Chess Training", which not only contains CT-ART 3.0, but also 4 other interesting programs (Encyclopedia of Middlegames, Encyclopedia of Opening Blunders, Studies 2.0 and Strategy 2.0) for about $95. There's also a newer version of this product ("Total Chess Training 2") available for the same price, here on Amazon.com

I bought this because my brother recommended it. Wow, what a great buy. Get it now!

First, the scoring system is a real modivator: depending on how you do on a problem your (estimated) ELO goes up or down. I work harder on the problems because I want the gratification of a higher score, and if I am not paying attention I get hit with a score penality! This constant reinforcement keeps me focused. Second, chess combinations are well tested, and one can check his or her own solution using the built in Craft chess engine. Finally, the system provides hints if you make a wrong move, allowing one to gradually work up to harder problems. This software does not have a 3d graphic interface, but this software has all the other options that will facilitate your study.